Major hotel chains commit to reduce carbon footprint

The owner of the Crown Plaza, Holiday Inn and InterContinental hotel chains will follow an online environmental programme with the aim to reduce its carbon footprint per occupied room by 12 per cent per between 2013 and 2017.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has committed to a bespoke online environmental programme across 4,700 hotel branches in 100 countries as a target to reduce their impact on the environment.

IHG is the world’s most leading hotel company containing 9 brands at 400 hotels in more than 65 countries.

The group is targeting a 12 per cent reduction in its carbon footprint per occupied room as a way of improving water use efficiency.

IHG will collaborate with Green Engage which specialises in providing advice on the best environmental measures and technologies, covering energy, water and operations as well as building, designing and renovation.

The chain is seeking to create innovative cutting-edge designs that challenge the traditional norms of business space in hotels.

Richard Solomons, IHG Chief Executive, said: "We know our guests care as much about sustainability as we do, so making each and every one of our properties an IHG Green Engage hotel is a great step forward for our business and for the communities in which we operate".

He also expressed how the decision marked an important milestone for IHG and was a "powerful demonstration" of its "ongoing commitment to protecting the environment".

The initiative has already resulted in savings of US$73m (£45.4m) in energy costs in 2013.